May 20, 2018
Teens for Healthy Youth (THY) reclaimed 4/20 as a day of positive teen health and rejected teen use of marijuana. THY educated their peers on the risks of marijuana use to increase percepti Teens for Healthy Youth (THY) reclaimed 4/20 as a day of positive teen health and rejected teen use of marijuana. THY educated their peers on the risks of marijuana use to increase perception of harm of marijuana and prevent impaired driving during prom, graduation, and the summer months.
Students engaged in peer to peer education by creating yard sign size myth and fact cards on marijuana that were posted in the school entrance and distributed fact cards with myths and facts to individuals. The fact cards provided data on mental health risks association with marijuana use, impaired driving statistics, and the impact on learning for the teenage brain. LCAHY collaborated with the Bluffton Police Department and a local car dealership to stage a scene entitled, “What kind of car do you want to drive in on prom night?”, which featured a Mercedes and an ambulance. Students signed a banner, pledging to remain sober.
A school assembly including 500 students and their teachers, featured a DEA officer that provided information regarding the laws and consequences of use or possession of marijuana or alcohol. A local attorney gave the facts on laws that impact teenagers, like the negative consequences of having a record related to use of marijuana or underage drinking as it pertains to driving record, car insurance, and their future careers. In addition, a law expert provided students with knowledge on the laws related to social media and underage drinking, use of illegal drugs, and other risky behaviors.